When Should I Start my 1st Grader? (following out-of-state move)

[ramama]

Here's my dilemma. We are moving out-of-state (waaaaaaay out-of-state, Colorado to Maine). DD1 is entering first grade. Last year she was in a private Montessori PreK-K, where she was one of two Kindergarteners (and she was part-time). She will be going to a public elementary school for first grade. School starts in Maine on 9/1. We hope to get to Maine on 9/6 (the earliest our rental is available), but probably won't get there until the evening of 9/6. So, she will be late no matter what. When do you think I should send her to school? Should I give her time to decompress after the move? How many days? I know the move will be stressful (we are renting a truck and moving ourselves, so it will be 3-4 days on the road) and starting at a public school, where she will be there all day every day, will also be stressful. But on the other hand, it sure would be nice to have only one kid underfoot when we are unpacking, rather than two (how terrible of me to say, but true nonetheless!) Thoughts, please?

[amcal]

9/6 is a Wednesday. So, personally, I'd not start her until the following Monday but, I'd see if I could take her in on Friday to meet the teacher and get a feel for the class, have the teacher explain the routine so she's not left confused while all the other kids already know what to do.

I'd also see if they'll assign her a "buddy" to help her learn the ropes and ease the transition.

[Linda on the move]

I'd start her as soon as possible, and I like the previous posters suggestions.

Staying home longer while the other kids are getting to know each other and getting comfortable with the routine will just make it harder in the long run. You will be able to get more done and make home more peaceful for her, which will help her settle in.

Yes, it is A LOT at once. You'll all get through it!!!

Good luck! We just did a cross country move last month and start new schools this week!

[Zoesmama]

Start her as soon as she gets a full nights sleep.

DD moved in K and then in 1st. It had to be done, no choices. She adapts well. You know your child best but the longer you wait the more bonded the kids will be and it may be hard for her to fit in to the groups. YES GROUPS even 1st and 2nd graders form smaller groups that associate more with each other.

It is good that its the start of year and not the middle. DD had a hard time getting into the routines when it was half through the year. It was more her teachers didn't know her or her abilities and likes/dislikes. Plus the obvious that the curriculum were different and at different paces.

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by Zoesmama

Start her as soon as she gets a full nights sleep.

You know your child best but the longer you wait the more bonded the kids will be and it may be hard for her to fit in to the groups. YES GROUPS even 1st and 2nd graders form smaller groups that associate more with each other.

Also, how much decompressing can be done in a house full of boxes?

[Lisa1970]

Depends on your child. I know when my parents moved when I was a child, getting in to school was the first thing I wanted because I wanted to meet other kids. If your daughter is not interested in getting there any time soon and is tired from the move, I would give it an extra few days.

Good luck with the move!

[MCsMom]

I would take the cue from your DD. If all she wants to do is start school - then yeah, as soon as she has had a good nights sleep. If she wants to get settled at home first, then wait a few days.